ISIS release new video of John Cantlie ‘Inside Aleppo’

British hostage John Cantlie has appeared in a new Islamic State propaganda video released by the extremist group on Monday. “Inside Aleppo,” Cantlie says, will be the last in this series.

In the video, the captive journalist walks through the
rubble of heavily bombed Aleppo, titled ‘Inside Haleb.’ Cantlie
appeared in a number of similar videos last year.

He shows how the city, despite having been “smashed to
rubble” by US-led coalition bombings, as well as the Syrian
army, still functions under the Islamic State (IS, formerly
ISIS/ISIL) and enjoys a “thriving economy.”

Al Hayat Media Center, the IS media wing, released the video.
Shot in a high-quality documentary-style, the film shows the
inside of a school where the children are being trained to
“form the Mujahideen of the next generation.”

In the latest video, Cantlie wears civilian clothing. In previous
episodes of the “series” he wore an orange jumpsuit, in
reference to the clothes Guantanamo Bay detainees have to wear.

He also talks about drone surveillance of the area by coalition
forces and drone strikes against IS. Cantlie claims the jihadists
are not affected by the bombings and often “enjoy a relaxing
cup of tea,” continue to build new homes in Aleppo and just
“get on with” life.

Cantlie also explains Islamic concepts in the video, such as
Sharia Law. He is seen sitting among Muslims inside a Sharia
court, explaining that while the punishment for theft – cutting
off a hand – seems “harsh,” the offender will at least
not do it again.

The Islamic State has held Cantlie captive for more than two
years.

Previous videos include a series titled “Lend Me Your
Ears.” Later installments include “Inside Ayn al
Islam,” also known as the Syrian city of Kobani, and
“Inside Mosul,” the Iraqi city.

The video’s release comes just days after the alleged death of US
hostage Kayla Mueller. It is believed Mueller was killed
inadvertently during a Jordanian airstrike on the Islamic State
in Syria.